Abi helped in making an impact to young people’s lives and raising aspirations whilst working on the Sporting Champions programme, and is now looking to inspire your audience by sharing her secret of what it takes to be the best you can!
Abi has a keen interest in inclusion and outreach programs, with a strong passion for getting sport into the lives of those who may otherwise not have the opportunity.
An early starter in sport, Abi spent her childhood trying to keep up with her older brother in a variety of sports, encouraged by her father, a keen sportsman, to participate in as many as possible. It was very apparent from an early age that this passion would unfold into a career, as she grew older. Abi gained county representative honours in football and basketball throughout her school days and on to college.
It wasn’t until Abi went to university where she studied sports coaching science and PE that she first tried her hand at rugby after being persuaded by friends to try. Eventually leaving football and basketball behind, she focused on rugby and she gained numerous coaching qualifications on her degree course.
Abi also joined Worcester rugby club and soon developed as a real talent in Sevens rugby and she has appeared in a number of tournaments for England including the final leg of the IRB World Series in Amsterdam in 2013 and the European Series second round event in the same year.
Abi captained the England Rugby 7’s squad and was one of the 20 rugby women to be offered a full time paid contract.
Prior to taking on a full time contract with the RFU to play rugby, Abi worked as a lecturer at West Thames College in London. The college runs course from Foundation to Level 3, catering for a diverse student base. Abi used her wealth of experience within the sports industry to help guide the students with both their academic studies and towards positive decisions for their futures.
Our athletes share powerful personal stories about overcoming barriers, embracing differences, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included. These talks encourage pupils to celebrate diversity, show kindness, and stand up for others — on the sports field, in the classroom, and beyond.
Success in sport and life starts with the right mindset. In this talk, our athletes explore how having a positive, focused, and growth-orientated mindset has helped them face challenges, learn from setbacks, and stay motivated. Pupils will leave inspired to believe in themselves and approach obstacles with confidence.
What does it take to bounce back from disappointment? Our athletes open up about tough moments in their careers — from injuries to defeats — and how resilience helped them keep going. Pupils will learn valuable lessons about never giving up, adapting to change, and staying strong when times get tough.
In this session, athletes talk about what fuels their ambition and keeps them pushing towards their goals, even when it gets difficult. They’ll inspire pupils to find their own passions, set big dreams, and stay committed to what matters most to them, whether in sport, school, or life.
Having Abi at our Young Volunteers training day was an amazing experience for the young people. Having an athlete who has experienced the value of volunteers through out her career really helped to inspire the young volunteers and fuel their passion.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
